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Deaths of prominent Croatian singers

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2026-11-03 18:58 UTC → 2026-11-03 22:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In October 2026, two significant figures in the Croatian music industry passed away. Mirko Cetinski, a singer known for his work in the Istrian music scene and his contributions to Radio Rovinj, died following a long illness at approximately 78 or 79 years of age. Later in the month, Mate Mišo Kovač, a major figure in Croatian pop music with nearly five decades of career and over 20 million records sold, died at the age of 85 or 86. While initial reports indicated he died at his home in Split, subsequent reports confirmed he passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his apartment in Podstrana, near Split. Following his death, the Croatian government declared Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a national day of mourning. During a telephone session of the Government, it was mandated that flags be flown at half-mast on all state, local, and regional government buildings, as well as on buildings of legal entities and independent professionals. Unlike a standard day of mourning, this declaration does not require the cancellation of previously planned cultural or entertainment events. A large-scale public farewell was held at the Poljud stadium in Split, organized by HNK Hajduk, Torcida Split, and the Croatian Music Union. The ceremony featured artists such as Giuliano, Mladen Grdović, Jole, Alen Nižetić, and Dražen Zečić. During the program, a procession with Kovač’s coffin circled the stadium pitch as the crowd sang his hits. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended the ceremony, honoring the singer as a cultural icon. Following the Split ceremony, the procession is scheduled to travel along the Adriatic highway through Šibenik and other Dalmatian cities toward Zagreb. Kovač is expected to be buried at the Mirogoj cemetery on Wednesday, alongside his son, Edi.

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